Fonet Blog Hub

The Hidden Reason Your Business Internet Is Slow and How to Fix It

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:36:56 GMT

For a lot of Australian small business owners, internet issues are something you put up with… until they start affecting your customers, your team, or your sales.

Here’s the thing most businesses don’t realise: it’s not always your internet plan that’s the problem.

Quite often, it’s the modem sitting quietly in the corner of your office.

If your connection feels inconsistent, drops out, or slows down when things get busy, your modem could be holding your business back more than you think.

What Does Your Modem Actually Do?

Your modem is what connects your business to the internet. On an NBN service, it works alongside your router to deliver internet across your workplace.

When it’s outdated or not suited to your setup, it can:

cap your speeds without you realising
struggle when multiple people are online
cause annoying dropouts and instability

1. You Might Not Be Getting What You’re Paying For

Upgrading your internet plan should mean faster speeds… but that’s not always what happens. If your modem can’t handle higher NBN speed tiers, you won’t see the full benefit. Instead, you might notice:

slower uploads and downloads
lag when using cloud-based tools
performance dips during busy times

So even if you’re paying for a faster plan, your modem could be the reason it doesn’t feel like it.

2. Dropouts Don’t Just Frustrate — They Cost You

If your business relies on being connected (and most do), dropouts are more than just annoying.

They can actually cost you money. Think about what happens when your internet cuts out:

EFTPOS payments fail
calls or bookings are missed
video meetings freeze or drop

A more modern modem can make a big difference here, helping keep your connection stable when you need it most.

3. There Are More Devices on Your Network Than Ever

It’s not just a couple of computers anymore. Most businesses now have a whole mix of connected devices, like:

laptops and desktops
phones and tablets
POS systems
security cameras and alarms
network-connected printers

Older modems simply weren’t built for this kind of demand. The result?

slower speeds across the board
struggles with heavier tasks
bottlenecks that affect everyone

4. Your Day-to-Day Tools Rely on a Strong Connection

If your team uses tools like:

Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
CRM systems
VoIP phone systems

…then your internet connection plays a huge role in how smoothly everything runs.

With the right modem, you’ll notice:

clearer, more reliable VoIP calls
faster access to cloud systems
smoother collaboration between your team

�� You can also read our guide on choosing the right business phone system for your company

5. Older Hardware Can Leave You Exposed

Security isn’t just about software, your hardware matters too.

Older modems can miss out on:

important firmware updates
modern security features
protection against newer threats

Upgrading your modem is a simple way to strengthen your overall network security.

6. It Sets You Up for What’s Next

As your business grows, so does your reliance on technology. A newer modem helps make sure you’re ready for:

faster NBN speeds
more staff and devices
new tools and systems

It’s a small upgrade that can save you headaches down the track.

When Should You Upgrade Your Modem?

If you’re unsure, here are a few signs it might be time:

your modem is 3–5 years old
you’ve upgraded your internet plan recently
you’re dealing with regular dropouts or slow speeds
your team depends heavily on cloud tools or VoIP

The Bottom Line

Your modem might not seem like a big deal… but it plays a huge role in how your business runs day to day.

Slow speeds, unreliable connections, and constant frustration don’t just impact your team — they affect your customers and your bottom line too.

The good news? Fixing it is often much simpler than you think.

Book a Free Business Consultation

Not sure if your modem or internet setup is the issue? We can help.

Book a free consultation with us and we’ll take a look at your current setup, identify what’s slowing you down, and recommend the best way to improve your connectivity, phone systems, and overall performance.

�� Book your free consultation here today ��

Sharp MX-B427W: The ultimate multi-function Mono Printer

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:49:11 GMT

Looking to supercharge your office productivity while keeping things hassle-free? Say hello to the Sharp MX-B427W - the powerhouse printer that's about to become your business's new best friend.

This compact yet powerful Mono printing device offers a range of benefits that can enhance productivity and efficiency in your workplace. Let’s explore the key advantages of the Sharp MX-B427W .

1. Compact and Efficient Design: The Sharp MX-B427W is designed to fit seamlessly into any office environment. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with limited space. Despite its small size, this printer delivers robust performance, handling a variety of tasks with ease. It combines printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities in one device, reducing the need for multiple machines and saving valuable office space.

2. High-Quality Printing and Speed: When it comes to print quality and speed, the Sharp MX-B427W does not disappoint. It offers high-resolution printing at speeds of up to 40 pages per minute (40ppm), ensuring that your documents are produced quickly and with exceptional clarity. Whether you’re printing reports, presentations, or marketing materials, you can rely on this printer to deliver professional-quality results every time.

3. Advanced Security Features: it comes equipped with advanced security features to safeguard your data. These include user authentication, data encryption, and secure network communication. These features help prevent unauthorised access and ensure that your confidential information remains protected.

4. Wireless Connectivity and Mobile Printing: it offers versatile connectivity options, including wireless and mobile printing capabilities. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily connect the printer to your network without the need for cumbersome cables. Additionally, the printer supports mobile printing from smartphones and tablets, allowing you and your team to print documents on the go. This flexibility enhances convenience and ensures that you can stay productive no matter where you are.

5. User-Friendly Interface and Maintenance: The intuitive touchscreen display allows you to navigate through functions and settings effortlessly. Additionally, the printer’s maintenance is straightforward, with easy access to consumables and minimal downtime. This ensures that your team can focus on their tasks without unnecessary interruptions.

The Sharp MX-B427W multifunction Mono printer is a versatile and reliable addition to any office. Its compact design, high-quality printing, advanced security features, and energy efficiency make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their document management processes. By investing in this product, you can boost productivity, protect your data, and contribute to a more sustainable workplace.

We have the Sharp MX-B427W mono printer in stock at Fonet – contact us today to discuss how it can meet your business needs!

5 Tips for choosing the right Business Phone System for your company

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:49:10 GMT

With numerous options available, finding the perfect fit can be challenging.

Choosing the right business phone system is crucial for the smooth operation and growth of your company. Here are five essential tips to guide you in selecting the best business phone system for your needs.

1. Assess Your Business Needs

Before diving into the various phone system options, take a step back and assess your company's specific needs. Consider things like:

How many employees will use the phone system?
What is the call volume expected on a daily basis?
Do you need features like voicemail, call forwarding, conference calling, and auto-attendants?
Are you planning for future growth and scalability?

Understanding your business requirements will help you narrow down the options and choose a system that meets your current and future needs.

2. Consider VoIP vs. Traditional Phone Systems

Decide whether a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system or a traditional landline system is more suitable for your business. VoIP systems use the internet to make and receive calls, offering flexibility, scalability, and often lower costs. Traditional phone systems, on the other hand, use physical phone lines and may be more reliable in areas with poor internet connectivity.

VoIP systems are generally preferred by modern businesses due to their advanced features and cost-effectiveness. However, it's essential to evaluate your internet infrastructure to ensure it can support a VoIP system efficiently.

3. Evaluate Features and Integrations
Business phone systems come with a variety of features designed to enhance productivity and communication. Some key features to look for include:

Auto-attendant: A virtual receptionist that directs calls to the appropriate department or extension.
Call forwarding and routing: Ensures calls reach the right person, even if they are not at their desk.
Voicemail-to-email: Sends voicemail messages to your email, allowing you to listen to them on the go.
Conference calling: Facilitates group meetings and collaboration.

Additionally, consider how well the phone system integrates with your existing business tools, such as CRM software, email, and collaboration platforms. Seamless integration can streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

4. Examine Cost and Scalability
Budget is a critical factor in choosing a business phone system. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including setup fees, monthly service charges, and maintenance costs. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it's important to consider the value provided by the system in terms of features, reliability, and scalability.

Scalability is equally important, especially if your business is growing. Ensure the phone system can easily accommodate additional users and features as your company expands, without significant disruption or cost.

5. Test Customer Support and Reliability

Reliable customer support is essential for any business phone system. Downtime or technical issues can severely impact your business operations, so it's crucial to choose a provider with a strong track record of reliability and support.

To conclude...

By assessing your needs, considering VoIP versus traditional systems, evaluating features and integrations, examining cost and scalability, and testing customer support and reliability, you can make an informed decision that supports your business goals. With the right phone system in place, your company will be well-equipped to handle calls seamlessly and grow successfully!

If you have any further questions or need personalised assistance in choosing the right phone system for your business , feel free to reach out to us . Our team of experts is here to help you find the perfect solution tailored to your specific needs.